It's All Been Done

Barenaked Ladies' song 'It's All Been Done' explores the cyclical nature of human experiences, particularly focusing on love and relationships. The lyrics suggest a sense of déjà vu, as if the narrator and their partner have lived through these moments countless times before. The opening lines, 'I met you before the fall of Rome / And I begged you to let me take you home,' set a historical and almost mythical tone, implying that their connection transcends time and space. This theme is reinforced with the recurring line, 'It's all been done before,' which serves as a reminder that human emotions and experiences are universal and timeless.

The song also delves into the idea of repetition and predictability in relationships. The narrator reflects on past interactions, noting how they and their partner have gone through similar motions before. Lines like 'You go your way, I go mine / But I'll see you next time' highlight the inevitability of their paths crossing again, despite their differences. This repetition is further emphasized in the chorus, where the narrator questions whether their expressions of love and familiar actions will be met with indifference: 'And if I play the same three chords, / Will you just yawn and say / It's all been done before.' This suggests a fear of monotony and a longing for something new and exciting.

The song's final verse takes a futuristic turn, imagining a scenario 'on a thirtieth-century night.' This leap into the future underscores the song's central theme that no matter how much time passes, human experiences remain fundamentally the same. The mention of 'The Price Is Right' adds a touch of humor and modernity, grounding the song's timeless message in contemporary culture. Ultimately, 'It's All Been Done' is a reflection on the enduring nature of love, the inevitability of repetition, and the search for meaning in familiar patterns.